BPN687: Robust Optical Flame Detection in Harsh Environments

Project ID

BPN687

Website

Start Date

Tue 2012-Aug-14 21:50:35

Last Updated

Wed 2014-Sep-03 12:07:31

Abstract

The goal of this project is to create a UV sensor for use as a flame detection system in gas turbine engine applications. In many gas-turbine engines, unnecessary engine shutdowns arise from sensors failing to detect the engine flame because of deep films of oil and/or water that block the sensor. In the infrared- and visible-light regions of the optical spectrum there is limited penetration through oil/water mixtures. A UV sensor is to be designed that will be able to robustly detect flames through oil/water mixtures that may build up on lenses in the gas turbine engine. For this purpose, we're exploring difference device possibilities based on ZnO nanowires, graphene, diamond, etc.